The Life List - a movie that highlights the gaps in our lives that prevent us from feeling fulfilled and happy

Recently, I curled up on the couch, wrapped in a thick blanket, with my favorite tea, expecting nothing more than a typical cozy evening, and instead, my soul was turned upside down.

 

I pressed play on Netflix and started watching The Life List, and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much more than mild entertainment. Yet two hours later, I found myself staring into the darkness, my heart racing and my thoughts racing. It's rare for a movie to act as a mirror held up to your soul, gently but emphatically asking, "Are you really happy?"

 

"The Life List" subtly explores the chaotic life of the main character, Emma, who at first glance seems to have everything one could want—a stable job, a cozy home, and a comfortable routine. However, beneath the carefully maintained surface, a deep, oppressive emptiness smolders. Emma's story resonated deeply with me, and I believe it will resonate with many of us women who often wear a smile as armor and convince ourselves and the world that we are fine—even when everything is wrong.

 

What struck me most about the film was its honest portrayal of the universal search for happiness, true love, and understanding—things we deeply desire but often dismiss as luxuries. Emma's seemingly perfect life hides deeper, unspoken desires: for connection, excitement, and the courage to cross the neatly defined boundaries she has created for herself.

 

The turning point in the film comes in a beautifully metaphorical scene in which Emma stumbles upon a forgotten list she wrote as a teenager—a bucket list of dreams, goals, and silly wishes. It is when she returns to this youthful version of herself that Emma—and, frankly, all of us viewers—begins to realize how far she has strayed from her authentic self.

 

However, the most powerful and heartbreaking revelation comes when Emma's mother suddenly dies. The loss of her mother shatters Emma's carefully constructed illusion of stability and reveals the fragile foundations on which she has built her life. As Emma comes to terms with her grief, she discovers a series of old videotapes left behind by her mother. Watching these intimate messages—full of love, wisdom, and honest advice—Emma realizes how deeply her mother understood her, even when she felt completely alone.

 

I found this scene particularly moving, and it resonated deeply with how often we overlook the quiet but profound messages of love around us until it's too late. It was a stark reminder that life is fragile and fleeting, and that embracing true connection and authenticity is not only important, but necessary. Emma's mother's heartfelt videos weren't just a touching legacy; they were a sign that guided Emma back to herself and encouraged her to live boldly and joyfully despite her loss.

 

This pivotal moment made me reflect on my own life: how often have I ignored the small, urgent signs from my heart quietly begging me to make different choices, to live boldly, and to love fully? And perhaps most importantly, what is preventing us from living the life we truly want?

 

The film does not shy away from the uncomfortable truth: the obstacles we face most often are ourselves. It is easy to blame our unhappiness on society, family pressure, or simply bad timing, but the bitter yet liberating truth is that we usually create our own obstacles. Like Emma, many of us are stuck because of our fears—fear of failure, judgment, loneliness, or even success itself.

 

I was deeply moved by how Emma began to actively look for signs and symbols around her and let herself be guided by her intuition. Inspired, I started noticing small signs myself—like a song that reminds me of forgotten dreams, a conversation with a friend that awakens something deeper in me, or even a smile from a stranger that offers me silent encouragement. These signs are not coincidences; they are nudges from the universe that gently guide us on our true path.

 

The film left me feeling shaken and inspired at the same time, and I realized that happiness and fulfillment are not just by-products of luck or circumstances—they are conscious choices that we must actively strive for every day. The courage to face your fears, accept love with all your heart, and stay true to yourself—these are the secret ingredients of a fulfilled life.

 

If you're looking for a sign to reevaluate your own bucket list, consider this article a gentle nudge.

 

May "The Life List" remind you, as it does me, that you deserve to live a life that is not only happy, but also deeply meaningful. Take a deep breath, look around you carefully, and set out on your own courageous journey to find true joy.

 

After all, the greatest adventure doesn't start on a map — it starts inside you, the moment you allow yourself to be real...